Weddings have been celebrated for hundreds of years in all parts of the world. There are many different ceremony traditions that come from every corner of the globe. You can incorporate some of these ideas into your own ceremony. It’s the perfect way to incorporate some of your cultural background into your own celebration.
Jump the Broom – Jumping the broom is a tradition from the days of slavery when slaves were not allowed to marry. Today, couples jump over a broom to symbolize starting a new life together.
French Weddings – In France the groom walks his mother down the aisle as he makes his way to the altar. This touching gesture can easily be adapted in your own wedding.
Japanese Ritual – In Japan an old ritual is performed, called san san kudo. The bride and groom and their parents each take 3 sips of sake from each of 3 cups. The ritual provides good luck for the new couple.
Swedish Wedding Shoes – In Sweden it is customary for the bride to put coins in her shoes before she weds. A silver coin in the left shoe is from her father and a gold coin in the right shoe is from her mother, ensuring that she will never be broke.
German Dish Breaking – In Germany it is considered good luck for the bride and groom to break pots and dishes together right before the wedding. This is to make sure that they will be able to endure any of life’s problems as they come.
Dutch Wish Tree – A Dutch custom is a tree branch that is placed near the entrance to the reception. Each guest ties a coloured ribbon to the tree with a paper that gives them a happy wish for their marriage.
Vietnamese Pink Chalk – In Vietnam tradition the groom’s mother presents the bride with pink chalk to represent a rosy future. Also, the date of the ceremony may be decided by a Buddhist monk.
Indian Wedding Celebration – Indian weddings typically last for several days and include various traditional ceremonies including painting the bride’s hands and feet. Garlands are used instead of corsages.